Artist – Mike Ryan
Album – Night
Release date – 21st January 2021
Reviewer – Stuart Todd
Night is the promising debut solo album by singer-songwriter and guitarist Mike Ryan (of the band Harrison Drive), who serves up a pleasing collection of Midnight delights.
With the huge challenges many have had to face over the past year, Mike hasn’t allowed lockdown to stop him in his tracks. In fact, he’s been laying down those tracks in his home studio on the Wirral.
The album has a raw lo-fi quality feel to it, much like the early albums of Elliot Smith, with whom Mike’s voice bears more than a slight resemblance. Although Smith is an obvious influence, I’d also cite the Welsh band Junebug as a possible source of inspiration on the heavier tracks.
Leading off with the catchy anthemic sound of Across The Sea, this is followed by the up-tempo Friday Night Again. These two tracks are highlighted by grunge guitars and doubletracked vocals before entering into more reflective acoustic terrain with songs like Angel Of The Night and Heaven Knows.
Other worthy additions to the set include the mid-tempo Beneath The Moonlight.
The ‘Night’ theme throughout the album is an inspired one that helps to establish a consistent mood.
I’m With You was recorded with Bill Ryder-Jones (The Coral) at Yawn Studios in West Kirby and was released as Ryan’s debut single late last year. Mike himself has been quoted as saying; “It was a dream come true having Bill produce my first single” (New Sound Generation). As previously reviewed by Lewis McWilliam for Liverpool Acoustic “I’m With You is a gentle song that carries your soul through a gust of wind”. The song closes the album on an optimistic note and is the most polished production to be found here.
Night by Mike Ryan is a strong, solid debut from a rising star ready to Shoot For The Moon.
Review © 2021 Stuart Todd for Liverpool Acoustic
Night is available to download from Bandcamp.
Mike Ryan
More links available at linktr.ee/mikeryanmusic
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Album review: Mike Ryan – Night